Exempt development

A number of home improvements and minor developments may be carried out without approval and are known as 'Exempt Development'. Those that are permissible in relation to Heritage Items or within a Heritage Conservation Area are generally in the rear yard of the property and can include water tanks, access ramps, pergolas, and shade structures.

Exempt development can be undertaken if it satisfies the requirements under State Environment Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (known as the 'Codes SEPP')

The various types of exempt development, plus the setbacks, size limitations and other criteria that apply can be found at NSW Planning website.